• The 2002 Subaru WRX combines high performance with the flexibility of an SUV.subaru wrx sti image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com
  
  Subaru produced both sedan and wagon versions of the 2002 WRX, which was based on the compact Impreza platform. These high-performance vehicles were turbocharged and intercooled. The 2002 model was the first WRX imported into the United States market. Combining excellent performance with Subaru's trademark all wheel drive, the WRX was an immediate sales success.
  
  

Engine and Transmission

• The engine in the WRX is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder flat four. It uses 16 valves and dual overhead cams. It produces 227 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 217 ft.-lbs. of torque at 4000 rpm. The WRX was available with both five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.
  
  

Weight and Fuel Economy

• The curb weight of this vehicle is 3085 pounds, giving it a 13.6 pounds-per-horsepower ratio. The gas tank will hold 15.9 gallons. The WRX achieves 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon highway. The combined fuel economy comes in at 21 miles per gallon.
  
  

Suspension and Drivetrain

• Like all Subarus, this car has all wheel drive. While not as large as a typical SUV, it has reasonable cargo capacity and provides excellent traction in all conditions. The WRX uses a front and rear independent suspension with struts on all four wheels.
  
  

Brakes and Safety

• Antilock brakes are standard. Both front and rear brakes are discs. The WRX comes with a limited-slip differential and space-saver spare wheel. Front and side airbags are standard.
  
  

Size

• The WRX is 173.4 inches long and 56.7 inches high. The car seats five. Front legroom is 42.9 inches; rear legroom is 33 inches. The cargo capacity of the sedan is 11 cubic feet. In the wagon the cargo capacity is 27.9 cubic feet with the seats up and 61.5 cubic feet with the seats down.
  
  

Features

• Power steering, power windows and power locks are standard. The front windows have one-touch controls on both the driver and passenger sides. Cruise control is standard.
  
  

Performance

• The Impreza runs from zero to 60 in approximately 4.5 seconds. An optional water-injection system can be added which increases the horsepower to 300 when engaged.